Fundamental British Values

Penwortham Girls’ High School actively promotes Fundamental British Values set out by the Department for Education:

· Democracy – A knowledge of how citizens can influence decision-making and to promote participation in the democratic process.

· Individual Liberty – An understanding that the freedom to choose and hold different beliefs and faiths is protected by law.

· The Rule of Law – A knowledge and appreciation that the laws governing the UK provide protection and safety to its citizens and a well-established judicial process is followed when laws are enforced.

· Mutual Respect – An understanding that people, despite their differences, can live harmoniously in the same society.

· Tolerance of others – To adopt a fair and open-minded attitude towards people whose opinions, beliefs, practices, racial or ethnic background, differ from your own.

These values are inherent within our mission statement ‘to prepare articulate, questioning, tolerant and independent women for the future’. In addition to the promotion of Fundamental British Values through the academic curriculum, additional opportunities include:

  • The assembly schedule which is designed to provide coverage of all FBV themes, delivered by a range of staff and students throughout the year. Examples include International Women’s Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, Anti-bullying week and World Religion Day. 
  • The weekly form time programme which provides a range of opportunities for students to discuss and debate issues relating to FBV. Through the use of Lyfta.com, students are presented with a diverse range of individual stories which stimulate vibrant and respectful discussions on the issues and challenges faced by people across the globe. An on-going interest in current affairs is promoted through the weekly inter-form news quiz. 
  • Fortnightly Buddy Forms (mixed year forms). A diverse range of students work on charity, volunteer and transition projects. Students have previously worked together on a ‘PGHS Pennies to Pounds’ business project, raising money for charity.
  • A thriving democratically elected School Council led by the Student Leadership Team. Students are divided into sub-committees each responsible for improving a different area of school life e.g. charity, revision, environment. 
  • A weekly online PGHS referendum encourages students to engage in current affairs and participate in the democratic process. Referendum questions have included the increasing use of AI, unrestricted air travel, the school curriculum and conscription, with hundreds of votes cast each week.
  • KS3 ‘Drop Down Sessions’ are opportunities for students to take a deeper dive into FBV themes. Previous sessions have included a ‘Magna Carta Day’ campaign where students lobbied MPs for the introduction of a new English public holiday, generating written responses from over 70 politicians. A ‘Rule of Law’ session which included hearing from experts in the law and policing. A year 9 ‘mock trial’ where students examined the moral and legal complexities of the 1884 R v Dudley and Stephens case. On another occasion students explored the issue of migration to the UK and the asylum process. 
  •  A Q&A with Katherine Fletcher MP,  who interacted with students on range of topics and issues, such as the cost of living crisis and the war in Ukraine. 
  • A large and reliable duty prefect team which supports the duty staff create a safe and supportive environment during school social times by helping to enforce school rules.
  • The Respect Council promotes and celebrates diversity within the school community by supporting nationwide campaigns such as ‘Anti-Bullying week’, ‘Odd Sock Day’ ‘LGBTQ+Day’ and ‘International Women’s Day’ ensuring students are consistently reminded about the need for compassion and mutual respect. The school has achieved the UNICEF Rights Respecting School Award for its efforts in creating a safe and inspiring place where students thrive.
  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award
  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award